Overview

NAEYC's nominations and election process seeks to recruit and elect qualified leaders who will further the association's mission to promote high-quality early learning for all young children and to advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession. The 17-member Governing Board is elected by NAEYC’s membership; board members and officers serve 4-year terms on a staggered rotation. The Board sets policies, establishes benchmarks to measure progress, and allocates resources to guide NAEYC. Individual board members are selected for the knowledge and experience that they would bring and their abilities to:

• bring broad-based knowledge of issues affecting high quality early learning and the early childhood profession,
• carefully prepare for meetings by reviewing and synthesizing the provided background materials,
• fully participate in group discussions by respectfully offering and listening to diverse points of view, and
• make thoughtful decisions that are in the best interests of the entire Association.

Time commitments of NAEYC Board service

Board members serve 4-year terms. (The President serves one year as President-Elect, two years as President, and one year as Past President.) In-depth meetings (2 to 3 days in length not including travel) of the full Board are typically held three times a year—in the winter, spring, and summer. The Board also meets briefly at the NAEYC Annual Conference each fall, and conference calls may occur throughout the year. Board members receive detailed agenda materials to review prior to each meeting. Newly elected members also attend an orientation at NAEYC Headquarters. Board members serve on committees that may conduct business by e-mail, conference call, or additional meetings. Travel and other expenses associated with Board service are covered by NAEYC; reimbursement for dependent care costs or substitute teachers is also available according to Board-determined policy.

The President, President-Elect or Past President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer serve as the Board's Executive Committee. This Committee typically meets in conjunction with Board meetings and by conference call at least once between each meeting.

NAEYC nominations process

A Nominating Panel is appointed annually to identify potential candidates for the following year's election. The Panel recommends a slate of qualified candidates for approval by the Governing Board and election by the membership. The Nominating Panel selects candidates for their ability to consider objectively the variety of perspectives, challenges, and choices inherent in the decisions affecting the Association's future. In addition to their leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities, candidates are also selected to ensure that the Board as a whole reflects the Association's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications for NAEYC Board candidates

The Nominating Panel seeks potential candidates who demonstrate strong leadership, commitment, and contributions to promoting high-quality early learning for all young children and advancing a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession. Candidates need broad knowledge and awareness of issues facing the early childhood field and the ability to conceptualize appropriate roles for the Association. Candidates must uphold NAEYC's mission, goals, core values and beliefs, and strategic direction.

Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to objectively consider various perspectives to guide major policy decisions. Knowledge of nonprofit governance and group functioning, association work is also expected of all potential candidates. Knowledge of and experience in NAEYC’s Affiliate structure is highly desired of all Board candidates. In addition, candidates must make the necessary commitment of time and other resources to serve effectively as a Governing Board member and to serve as an effective ambassador for the Association and its principles.

Finally, applicants must be a current member of NAEYC. Any individual who has been employed by or had a full- or part-time contract with NAEYC or any of its Affiliates within the past 3 years (excluding honoraria) is not eligible for consideration.

Specific qualifications for particular positions
In addition to the qualifications above, officers must meet specific qualifications related to the responsibilities for their position. The responsibilities and associated qualifications are outlined here.

Additionally, in 2015, the Nominating Panel specifically seeks applications from potential candidates with extensive track records of Affiliate service. One seat on the 2016 ballot is reserved for two candidates who would not only meet the qualifications described above for all board members but who also have demonstrated knowledge of and experience with affiliate governance and service.

2015 to 2016 NAEYC Election Timeline

January 2015: Applications and deadline information posted for submission by NAEYC members interested in being considered for Board service.

August 2015: Based upon their review of submitted materials, the Nominating Panel invites potential candidates to participate in face-to-face group interviews. The interviews guide the selection of the slate that is recommended to the Governing Board for approval.

September 18-19, 2015: Group Interviews are held at NAEYC Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

November 2015: The slate is officially announced in Young Children and at the Annual Conference. Typically, a video is made of each candidate at the Annual Conference.

January 2016: Links to a secure election site are e-mailed to all current members as of 12/1/2015 and mailed to those who requested paper ballots.

March 1, 2016: Deadline for postmark on mailed ballots and end of electronic voting period.

Spring 2016: Newly elected Board members attend the spring Board meetings and meet with Headquarters staff as part of the Board orientation.

June 1, 2016: Newly elected Board members assume office for four years.